ITV

Category: Television

  • Bravo and Pollard hit replay as Legends League brings back Windies fire

    Bravo and Pollard hit replay as Legends League brings back Windies fire

    MUMBAI: The World Championship of Legends (WCL) Season 2 is set to serve fans a full toss of nostalgia and firepower, with West Indies stalwarts Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard leading the charge. The dynamic duo will don the maroon once again, this time for the West Indies Champions, a franchise that blends national pride with T20 pizzazz.

    Bravo, whose last international outing was in 2021, isn’t just making a casual comeback. “Last time I left cricket, my body wasn’t prepared for what it could handle,” he shared. “Now it’s imperative that with my full attention on returning to T20 cricket, I stay committed and I perform well.”

    Sharing on the excitement of taking the field with Kieron Pollard in the World Championship of Legends second season Dwayne adds, “Me and Kieron have a partnership way before we started playing franchise cricket. The only experience that we are going to share now is that we are going to be representing our nation again which is also our franchise for participation in the World Championship of Legends.”

    At 40-plus, Bravo still holds the swagger of a T20 pioneer boasting a mind-boggling 631 wickets from 582 matches. He redefined death bowling and left an indelible mark on franchise cricket globally. Now, he’s out to prove that class, like a good calypso beat, never fades.

    Joining him is longtime teammate and fellow West Indian legend Kieron Pollard, whose credentials are equally stellar 600 plus appearances and 11,000 runs in T20s, along with leading West Indies’ white-ball sides between 2019 and 2022.

    Kieron Pollard also shares happiness on Bravo’s comeback for the World Championship of Legends season, he shares, “Hearing Dwayne coming back to play melts my heart. Dwayne is a true champion and the kind of cricketing career he had once, one can never argue that he has had it well and he has given back to cricket a lot.”

    West Indies Champions owner Ajay Sethi who also acquired the franchise back in 2024 shared, “It is like reliving history in all its glory. Having Bravo and Pollard return to play T20 cricket is like bringing old friendship that defined West Indies’ golden era. To see them represent their own nation again in T20 is a moment that can never be forgotten.

    World Championship of Legends founder & CEO Harshit Tomar commented on the significance of their inclusion: “The addition of Bravo and Pollard to the West Indies Legends squad marks a significant turning point for the championship’s second season. They will raise the tournament’s profile with their all rounder skills and captivating demeanor on and off the field.”

    Easemytrip CEO and co-founder Nishant Pitti expressed his excitement about the announcement: “We are excited to welcome Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo to the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends. Fans will surely swarm the stands due to their immense star power.”

    The event, approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board, isn’t just another friendly fixture, it’s the only official T20 tournament for retired pros, and it’s taken the nostalgia market by storm. Held in England, cricket’s spiritual home, the six-franchise format pits greats from South Africa, Australia, India, Pakistan, England, and the West Indies in a format that mixes sentiment with serious skill.

    The second season of the World Championship of Legends promises high-octane action, high-stakes nostalgia, and a reminder that legends never truly retire, they just take longer warm-ups.

  • Framestore hires former shuttered MPC senior creative talent

    Framestore hires former shuttered MPC senior creative talent

    MUMBAI: London’s award-festooned visual effects powerhouse Framestore has swooped on two high-profile creative talents following the dramatic collapse of competitor MPC. Patrick Ledda and Daniel Blacker have joined the London studio’s leadership team, bringing with them a treasure trove of experience from blockbuster franchises including The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean.

    The pair’s arrival comes hot on the heels of Technicolor’s shock decision to shutter MPC a few weeks ago—a move that left the VFX industry reeling and talented artists scrambling for new berths. Framestore has wasted no time in grabbing the cream of the crop.

    With a PhD in Computer Graphics, Patrick Ledda is driven by a fascination with the convergence of creativity and technology.  Starting as a generalist at Terry Gilliam’s Peerless, Patrick joined MPC 15 years ago, initially as a Lighting Lead, ascending to Head of Lookdev working on high profile productions including Prometheus, 47 Ronin and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.  His supervisory debut on Disney’s Cinderella paved the way for boundary-pushing work on Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge, Lady and the Tramp, Dumbo and The Little Mermaid.

    “I’ve long admired Framestore’s innovative approach and this is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with some of the industry’s most talented minds across a global network of studios,” states Ledda.  “Hugely motivating to be joining a company that continually pushes the boundaries of creativity and technology in filmmaking.”

    Blacker’s appointment represents something of a homecoming—the animation maestro began his career at Framestore some 18 years ago before defecting to MPC for a 15-year sojourn. His CV reads like a Disney shareholder’s fantasy, having guided animation teams on Maleficent, Cruella and most recently Mufasa: The Lion King.

    “Framestore has always championed handcrafted, animated performances,” Blacker noted. “Coming back to guide these teams and collaborate too with Art Department, Visdev and FPS to tell these stories for our clients is really exciting.”
    .
    Framestore, CEO of film & episodic Fiona Walkinshaw could barely contain her glee at the appointments. “Patrick and Daniel join us at a pivotal time, as we embark on film productions that are both creatively ambitious and technologically demanding. We know that they are more than up to the task and are really looking forward to seeing what they create.”

    Framestore’s upcoming slate includes How to Train Your Dragon, F1 and The Fantastic Four: First Steps—projects that will surely keep the new recruits busy creating impossible worlds while the very real world of VFX studios continues its dramatic consolidation.

  • Rahul Kanwal departs from TV Today

    Rahul Kanwal departs from TV Today

    MUMBAI: Rahul Kanwal, the journalistic juggernaut who steered India’s top news channels through tumultuous times, has resigned from the TV Today group.

    After a two decade plus -long innings at the broadcasting powerhouse, Kanwal is hanging up his microphone as news director of India Today and Aajtak, and executive director of Business Today. His departure marks the end of an era for a newsman who became the face of prime-time journalism in the subcontinent.

    The Harvard-educated presenter transformed the group’s digital footprint with remarkable alacrity. Under his watch, the 30-year-old Business Today brand underwent a digital metamorphosis that rivals would kill for.
    At the helm of a 500-strong reporting army, Kanwal’s editorial empire reached a staggering 400 million viewers monthly. The Newstrack anchor, famous for his centrist “question all, take no prisoners” approach, created waves by establishing the Data Intelligence Unit and Anti-Fake News War-Room when misinformation was running rampant.

    The Chevening fellow’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric—from humble beginnings as a reporter at Zee News in 1999 to conquering the summit of Indian broadcast journalism over his 23-year career.
    Kalli Purie, vice-chairperson of the India Today Group, described Kanwal’s journey as “the quintessential India Today Group narrative—an extraordinary journey of organic growth, limitless opportunities, and a meteoric rise that benefited both sides.”

    In an internal memo to staff, Purie acknowledged their 22-year collaboration: “We’ve worked closely together, built formidable teams, created powerful editorial IPs, and traversed the length and breadth of our incredible country, collecting memories that will last a lifetime. Our newsroom is the envy of the media ecosystem.”

    She added: “Change is never easy, but as news professionals, it is our very lifeblood. It is what drives us forward. There is just so much to do as AI is again opening a new doorway, an exciting inflection point for content creators.”

    The CEO expressed confidence in the team Kanwal leaves behind: “He has mentored a strong second line, which is locked and loaded for what comes next. It’s now your turn to shine.”

  • Filamchi Bhojpuri turns five with full filmi flair and month-long dhamaka

    Filamchi Bhojpuri turns five with full filmi flair and month-long dhamaka

    MUMBAI: When it comes to celebrating milestones, Filamchi Bhojpuri clearly believes in going big or going back to the editing room. The channel is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a month-long rollercoaster ride of entertainment and fanfare—aptly titled ‘5 Saal Maha Dhamaal’. And yes, it’s as loud, proud and paisa-vasool as Bhojpuri TV gets.

    Throughout April, viewers will be treated to everything from exclusive contests and social media bonanzas to daily prize giveaways that range from gold coins and silver idols to air coolers and pooja hampers. Basically, if it shines, cools or blesses, it’s up for grabs.

    Topping the party chart is the world television premiere of Filamchi’s third home-grown film, Kyunki Har Ek Saas Zaruri Hoti Hai. Because why not throw a little saas-bahu drama into the celebratory mix? The film will premiere on the channel as a crown jewel in the campaign.

    The party doesn’t stop there. During the nine day Chaitra Navratri celebration, viewers stand a chance to win goodies every single day. And then comes the Filamchi Premiere League, where fans decide the programming. That’s right—viewers can vote for their favourite Nirahua and Khesari titles, turning prime time into a democratic dhamaka.

    “Celebrating our fifth anniversary is a testament to the immense trust and love we’ve received from our viewers,” said IN10 Media MD Aditya Pittie. “We’re rolling out a month-long celebration filled with fresh content, exciting events and fantastic prizes. Looking ahead, Filamchi Bhojpuri remains dedicated to pushing boundaries.”

    IN10 Media VP – content strategy Amarpreet Saini added, “Our fifth anniversary is a true reflection of our commitment to the audience and the wonderful community we’ve built. Every initiative is designed to give back to our loyal viewers who’ve showered us with so much love.”

    From fan-first content to back-to-back contests, Filamchi Bhojpuri’s April programming is less of a schedule and more of a celebration. And if the first five years were this dramatic, you’d best buckle up for what’s coming next.

  • TV9 Bangla honours Bengal’s brightest, with Ganguly leading from the front

    TV9 Bangla honours Bengal’s brightest, with Ganguly leading from the front

    MUMBAI: The stars weren’t just in the sky.

    They were on stage.

    In a grand show of Bengal’s cultural, academic and humanitarian muscle, TV9 Bangla rolled out the red carpet for its second edition of Nakshatra Samman on 3 April 2025. Held at a luxury hotel in Kolkata, the evening saw a stellar line-up of awards, applause, and a few heavy-hitting truths.

    Led by TV9 Network MD Barun Das, the event honoured the spirit of Mahasweta Devi’s legacy with this year’s theme “Manusher Pashe” (With the People). Six high-impact individuals from fields as diverse as sports, theatre, cancer research, archaeology, social service and inclusive arts were recognised for elevating Bengal’s name at home and abroad.

    The coveted “Prothom Theke Prothome” award was reserved for none other than Sourav Ganguly. In his signature composed charm, the former Indian cricket captain accepted the honour for redefining leadership in Indian cricket. His presence sparked a humorous yet poignant reflection from Das, “Had Sourav continued with football, perhaps India would’ve been dreaming of a World Cup by now.”

    Veteran thespian Rudraprasad Sengupta bagged the Lifetime Achievement Award for his enduring influence on Bengali theatre. Others who took home the honours included:

    .  Asima Mukherjee for path-breaking cancer research.

    .  Bahata Anshumali for decoding the ancient Sindhu script.

    .  Subhashish Ganguly, who directs plays with visually impaired actors.

    .  Arup Roy for his work in educating marginalised children.

    TV9 Bangla also spotlighted five unsung local heroes whose acts of everyday courage and compassion often go unnoticed:

    .  Padma Shri awardee Dukhu Majhi has planted trees in Purulia’s rocky terrains.

    .  Reba Murmu, who builds schools for Santhal children in Bankura.

    .   Prabir Pal, a specially-abled educator who uplifts young minds.

    .  Saju Talukdar, who offers shelters to the homeless.

    TV9 Bangla managing editor Amritanshu Bhattacharya summed up the spirit of the evening, “There are many who work silently, away from the spotlight, yet their presence and actions inspire us. By bringing them to this platform, we hope to honour their service and spark inspiration in others.”

    But it wasn’t just about awards. Das delivered a power-packed keynote that wove AI, geopolitics, Vivekananda, Trump, Tagore, and even MAGA into one sweeping narrative. Calling 2025 an “inflection point”, he painted a world split between those who flourish and those who perish in the age of disruption. His message? Bengal must rise—and lead.

    “Historically, whenever India has risen, Bengal has led. From Vivekananda to Tagore, Bose to Ray, our legacy is global. Today, we’re at a turning point again. The youth must dream bigger, work harder, and dare louder,” he said.

    With that mic-drop moment, Nakshatra Samman 2025 proved it was more than just another awards night. It was Bengal, reclaiming its place on the world map—one changemaker at a time.

     

  • Song vs Dance debuts with a bang on TV Asahi, sparks viral frenz

    Song vs Dance debuts with a bang on TV Asahi, sparks viral frenz

    MUMBAI: TV Asahi’s talent competition, Song vs Dance, has made a spectacular debut, drawing massive viewership and igniting social media buzz. Premiering on 28 March at 11:15 pm on Channel 5, the high-energy variety show has captivated audiences with its electrifying format.

    A co-production between TV Asahi and Smart Dog Media, Song vs Dance redefines entertainment with its action-packed battles between top-tier singers and dancers. The show achieved a 3.5 per cent rating and a 15.9 per cent audience share, making it the second most-watched programme in its time slot across Japan’s six terrestrial channels. It also emerged as the highest-rated artist performance music show of 2025, proving its dominance in the genre.

    Beyond TV, Song vs Dance has taken social media by storm. Clips from the show have amassed over 136 million Tiktok impressions, gained 10,000+ new followers, and racked up 7.2 million views on a single video. The buzz propelled the show to fifth place on Yahoo’s SNS trends and third in Android search rankings, highlighting its widespread appeal across generations.

    With such a phenomenal response, TV Asahi is set to roll out more exciting episodes to settle the ultimate debate—are you team song or team dance?

    TV Asahi stated, “We are delighted to announce a historic milestone in the realm of TV Asahi variety shows. In this unprecedented move, we have embarked on a cross-border project that brought together both US and Japan teams to collaboratively create an entirely new and innovative format. This bold initiative has successfully redefined entertainment, and we are honoured to have achieved this groundbreaking accomplishment.”

    Produced by Craig Plestis and Clara Plestis of Smart Dog Media, alongside TV Asahi’s Takaaki Kitano, Song vs Dance marks TV Asahi’s first co-production with a U.S.-based production company.
     

  • Birla Estates and RCB forge stronger ties with star-studded T20 campaign

    Birla Estates and RCB forge stronger ties with star-studded T20 campaign

    MUMBAI: Birla Estates, has launched its much-anticipated Indian T20 2025 campaign, featuring Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Krunal Pandya. With the tagline ‘Every sq.ft. tells a story’, the campaign highlights the dreams, aspirations, and emotions that make every home special.

    Taking its association with cricket a step further, Birla Estates is now the principal sponsor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming T20 season. This marks the fourth consecutive year of collaboration, reinforcing shared values of excellence, ambition, and perseverance between the brand and the sport.

    The campaign, conceptualised by Mccann, features three engaging digital films that draw a compelling parallel between Chinnaswamy Stadium RCB’s iconic home ground and Birla Estates homes. Just as every patch of grass and every square foot of ground at Chinnaswamy has witnessed unforgettable moments, every square foot of a Birla home holds priceless memories encapsulated in the campaign’s core message, Storiespersqft.

    One of the campaign’s standout films showcases Kohli executing a stunning mid-air catch, with the voiceover stating, “To feel superhuman. just 5 sq.ft.” Another features Kohli and Krunal exchanging a fist bump while running between the wickets, with the tagline, “To become great partners. it takes 22 yards.” These visuals cleverly reinforce the idea that significant moments don’t require vast spaces—just meaningful ones.

    Birla Estates head of marketing Anitha Krishnan stated, “Our long-standing partnership with RCB has evolved over the seasons, and we take immense pride in being the principal sponsor, with our brand prominently displayed on the players’ jerseys. This placement reflects our deep commitment to cricket as a platform that resonates with our audience. Our campaign is an extension of our larger corporate vision—one that goes beyond building structures to creating spaces that tell meaningful stories. Just as every cricketing milestone represents years of dedication and achievement, every home becomes a backdrop for life’s most cherished moments. Through this campaign, we aim to create a strong emotional connection with homebuyers—aligning their aspirations with the journey of cricketers. It beautifully blends the passion for cricket with the pride of homeownership—two defining milestones in Indian culture.”

    RCB COO Rajesh Menon added, “We are delighted to continue our association with Birla Estates as a valued member of the RCB family. Their commitment to excellence and innovation mirrors the ethos of our team. Together, we aim to elevate the fan experience and create unforgettable memories both on and off the field. This partnership is a testimony to our shared vision of inspiring and engaging millions of cricket enthusiasts.”

    Last year, Birla Estates’ T20 campaign generated 41.3 million impressions and reached over 10 million fans. As the 2025 season unfolds, cricket lovers can look forward to an exciting line-up of games, digital activations, and engaging initiatives—all driven by this powerful collaboration.

  • Live Times expands reach, now available on DD Free Dish

    Live Times expands reach, now available on DD Free Dish

    MUMBAI: India’s first global multicast news hub, Live Times, has bolstered its distribution network by securing a coveted position on DD Free Dish Channel No. 100, alongside adding Waves OTT to its digital portfolio.
    The strategic expansion follows Live Times’ already robust presence across major DTH platforms—Tata Play, Dish TV, and Airtel DTH—as well as on Jio TV, India’s largest digital platform.

    With this latest move, Live Times has dramatically expanded its footprint to reach approximately 150 million households or 450 million individuals across socioeconomic categories A, B and C. This comprehensive coverage spanning the entire social spectrum underscores the network’s commitment to delivering “authentic and accurate” news to citizens across all demographic and economic backgrounds.

    “Information is power, only when it is factually correct,” remarked Live Times founder  Dilip Kumar Singh.”To ensure that our viewers and users are empowered with truth alone… Live Times on DD Free Dish is one of the key platforms to take the truth even to the nook and corners of the country.”

    The addition of DD Free Dish—often referred to as India’s common man’s entertainment lifeline—serves to bridge the persistent information gap between metropolitan centres and rural communities. Singh added that the expansion represents “one step closer to democratising access to news and information.”

    For advertisers seeking to connect with a diverse, pan-Indian audience, Live Times now offers unprecedented reach from urban hubs to remote villages through a platform that prides itself on authentic journalism with impact.

    Viewers can access Live Times on DD Free Dish (Channel 100), Tata Play (Channel 539), DishTV (Channel 665), Airtel Digital TV (Channel 385), Jio TV (Channel 3069), and Sikka Cable TV (Channel 319).

    The network, which operates from what it describes as “a state-of-the-art multicast hub”—purportedly the first of its kind in India—follows the ethos of “Satyam Shivam Sundaram” while leveraging partnerships with global technology companies and content providers to deliver its news service.

  • Just For Laughs channel pranks its way onto Pluto TV in global deal

    Just For Laughs channel pranks its way onto Pluto TV in global deal

    MUMBAI: When the world needed a laugh, Just For Laughs didn’t clown around. In a move as smooth as a silent slapstick gag, Just For Entertainment Distribution inked a deal with Pluto TV to launch its FAST channel across Canada, Latin America, Brazil, France, Italy, and the Nordics. The Just For Laughs GAGS channel is now live and ready to tickle funny bones, sans dialogue, across six major territories.

    Pluto TV, the reigning champ of free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST), has opened the global doors for the Montreal-born comedy empire. The partnership promises pure, no-translation-needed hilarity—where classic pranks meet universal mischief, and nobody is safe (except maybe your coffee mug).

    “JFE Distribution is thrilled to announce our continuing expansion, now with our FAST deal with Pluto TV in several territories. Placing our award-winning content on new channels helps with our mission of ‘Keeping the world feeling good’ with the best programming around,” said Just For Entertainment Distribution CRSO Alex Avon.

    Pluto TV International SVP of content strategy and acquisitions Kat Kowalski added, “Canadian content travels the globe so well. Pluto TV viewers love a good laugh, and through Canada’s JFE Distribution we are so happy to bring the Just For Laughs Channel to the FAST world through our platform.”

    JFE Distribution director of monetisation & OTT Carlos Pacheco said, “Our new partnership with Pluto TV further exemplifies our unique standing as an independent producer and publisher by expanding our content into even more markets. We’re especially proud to bring Just for Laughs’ first FAST channel in the Canadian market with Pluto TV.”

    The launch joins Pluto TV’s already broad buffet of genres in Canada—from crime drama and sci-fi to news, game shows, and anime. Now, with the Just For Laughs GAGS channel on the line-up, things just got a whole lot cheekier.

    If laughter is the best medicine, Pluto TV may have just opened a cross-continental pharmacy.